Falls from construction sites account for about more than a third of the total deaths in the industry. They are one of the leading causes of death in the construction business. However, the thing that is most upsetting is that most of these deaths are preventable if taken the right safety measures.
It is not uncommon to see construction workers working at heights, such as roofs, scaffolds, and ladders, which is where most accidents occur. To make sure that all construction workers make it to their homes every night, the workers, as well as the employer, must take a few important steps. If your employer was negligent, you could file a claim against your employer with the help of an Atlanta construction accident lawyer.
Tips to prevent falls on construction sites
- Use fall protection when working at a six feet height or more.
It should be a basic rule to use fall protection when working at a height of six feet or more. There should be no exceptions to this. Even if you need to go to that height for a 5-minute task, you still need to use fall protection. You never know what might happen. Six feet might not seem like a big deal for some people, but a fall from that height can still cause significant injuries. All workers should have a healthy paranoia about falls and use protection.
- Pay attention to your site conditions.
Sometimes paying attention to your workplace or construction site conditions can make all the difference. Using fall protection may become useless if you are not aware of your own surroundings. Various falls, slips, and trips can be prevented with increased alertness. Remember to walk carefully on the stairs and seemingly slippery and wet areas. Paying attention to minor details can be the difference between no injury and death.
- Use the proper equipment.
All employers in Atlanta should provide their employees with adequate protective equipment and train them on how to use it. Hard hats, safety-toed footwear, protective eyeglasses, and gloves are some commonly used equipment. Moreover, ladders that you use on a daily basis should be checked whether they are in good working condition or not. Falls from ladders account for most accidents; thus, fixing them can fix many issues.
- Have a fall prevention plan in place.
Unfortunately, most people only introduce a fall prevention plan when it is too late, and somebody is already injured. Working at heights is common and expected at construction sites, and there should be a full-proof plan ready. Your employer should also share and discuss this plan with everyone.
